Here it is folks—the third to final post exploring state name history.
Rhode Island
Mansions previously owned by wealthy families like the Vanderbuilts line Newport’s famous Cliff Walk.
Nickname
Did you know Rhode Island is the smallest state with the longest name? The official name is Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. For a nickname, Rhode Island has been called Little Rhody as far back as 1851. Since then Smallest State and Plantation State have been popular, the latter deriving from the state’s lengthy title. Because of the state’s position and also for the purpose of attracting tourists, Rhode Island license plates read Ocean State.
Etymology
An Italian explorer by the name of Giovanni di Verrazzano first referred to the name of ‘Rhode Island’ in a letter he wrote comparing an island in Narragansett Bay to an island called Rhode in the Mediterranean Sea. The state government prefers the story of Dutch explorer Adrian Block naming the land Root Eylandt meaning ‘red island’ referring to red clay lining the shore.
South Carolina
Beautiful plantation in South Carolina.
Nickname
Since colonial times, South Carolina has been associated with the palmetto palm, which lead to its nickname of Palmetto State back in the 1800s. Since then, Rice State, Swamp State, Keystone to the South Atlantic, and Seaboard State have been common nicknames. However today license plates read either I Believe or Nothing Could Be Finer from the song “Carolina in the Morning.”
Etymology
The history behind the name ‘South Carolina’ is almost exactly the same to that of North Carolina—see my previous post here.
South Dakota
The Badlands stretch for miles across South Dakota.
Nickname
After Dakota was split, South Dakota became known as the Blizzard State and the Artesian State. Another state to steal the nickname Sunshine State, South Dakota actually held onto the nickname and it appeared on the state flag until 1980. At this time, South Dakota relinquished the name to Florida and became officially Mount Rushmore State. Though most license plates display an image of Mount Rushmore, they print the motto Great Faces, Great Places.
Etymology
Another state who’s historical origins are very much the same as its northern counterpart. North and South Dakota both take their name from the Siouan word Dakota whose meaning is unclear. In the Sioux language, it likely means ‘friend’ or ‘ally.’
Tennessee
Visit Elvis’ famous home in Tennessee, a national historic landmark.
Nickname
The common diet of Tennessee-residents being fatback pig and cornmeal (both produced in the state) led to the name Hog & Hominy State. Tennessee was also home of three US Presidents, which led to the name of Mother of Southwestern Statesmen. License plates read Volunteer State, based on several historical accounts—one being in 1812 when volunteer soldiers from this land were courageous in the Battle of New Orleans. Or perhaps the name came about in 1847 during the Mexican War when 30,000 men from Tennessee volunteered to fight.
Etymology
The name Tennessee comes from the Native American village Tanasqui through which Spanish explorer Captain Juan Pardo traveled through in 1567 while coming inland from South Carolina. On the other hand, 200 years later British explorers came across the Cherokee town of Tanasi, in present-day Monroe County. It is unclear whether one or both of these names are the predecessors of the name Tennessee. The meanings of the words are unknown.
Newport, Rhode Island is a must-see on my list. Not only can you marvel at the palatial homes along the Cliff Walk, but you can tour them as well. How many of these states have you visited?
Dr. Brad Hylan is a gentle and affordable comprehensive care dentist located in Cleveland, OH with a keen interest in history, travel, and wind-surfing. Hylan Dental Care specializes in emergency care and takes same day appointments. We are active on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and FourSquare. Connect with us and learn!
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